Visitor Visas

Visitor Visas for Canada


Each year more than 5 million people visit Canada. Visitor Visas (also called Temporary Residents Visas) are available to tourists, business visitors, foreign workers and students. If you are from a country that requires a visitor visa to enter Canada then it is important to obtain one at a Canadian visa post before coming to Canada.

Normally, when you arrive at the point of entry in Canada, an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency will question you to ensure that you’re eligible to enter. Then, the officer will stamp your passport and may issue additional documents.

Six-Month Expiry

If there is no stamp, handwritten date or document added to your passport, your temporary resident status will expire six (6) months from the day you arrive in Canada. If a visitor record, student or Work Permit was issued then the expiry date is marked on the document.

Visitor Visas for Business

Business visitors can obtain a visitor visa if they come to Canada to engage in international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labour market. For instance a business visitor may attend business meetings or perform site visits (to observe only) or receive some training. Business visitors should be able to prove that their main source of income and their main place of business are outside Canada.

Single-entry visa

A single-entry visa allows visitors to enter Canada once. After you leave Canada you must get a new visitor visa to re-enter Canada. There are two exceptions: you can visit the United States or Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and return to Canada without getting a new visa, as long as you return within the initial period authorized by the immigration officer or have a valid visitor record, Work Permit, study permit, or a temporary resident permit (authorizing re-entry). You must return within the initial period authorized by the officer.

Multiple-entry visa

A multiple-entry visa entitles you to enter Canada numerous times during the visa validity period. A multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of five years or one month prior to the expiry date on the passport/re-entry visa–whichever is earlier. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa. You cannot get a multiple-entry visa for a period that ends after the expiry date of your passport.

Requirements for a Visitor Visa:

  • a valid travel document, such as a passport
  • good health
  • satisfy an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home and family, that will take you back to your country of origin
  • satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
  • have enough money for your stay, which depends on how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives.

You may also need:

  • a medical examination and
  • a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Inadmissibility: If you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offence, you may not be allowed to enter Canada. If you have committed an offense it may be possible to get admitted or receive a Temporary Residents Permit.